Why is it undesirable to take short, choppy steps when gaiting your dog?

• A. It makes your dog move slower.
• B. That causes your dog to do the same thing, and your movement is not as smooth.
• C. It helps the dog learn faster.
• D. It improves balance.

Answer: (B)

Smooth, continuous movement from you sets a steady rhythm for the dog to follow. When you take short, choppy steps, your motion becomes uneven, and the dog tends to mirror that irregularity. The result is a disrupted gait—the dog’s cadence and balance break, making the gait harder to maintain and slower to learn. A calm, even stride provides clear, consistent cues that help the dog stay in a fluid, balanced gait. The other options don’t fit because they imply benefits that don’t come from jagged stepping.